Work

Intensification of thermophilic anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge by thermal hydrolysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Thermal hydrolysis (THP) combined with thermophilic anaerobic digestion (TAD) offers promising pathways for enhancing sewage sludge treatment. This study is among the first to directly compare THP as both pre- and post-treatment options for TAD. Pre-treatment of waste activated sludge (THP-WAS) and post-treatment of digested sludge (THP-DS) were evaluated on their impacts on process stability, biogas production, and sludge dewaterability. Pilot-scale trials at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Prague revealed that THP-WAS increased sludge solubilization but faced challenges such as volatile fatty acid accumulation, adversely affecting reactor stability and specific biogas yield. In contrast, THP-DS enhanced biogas production by 10%, improved sludge dewaterability, and achieved superior methane content (73.2%). Further research is needed to optimize THP parameters for reactor stability and to better understand interactions between hydrolyzed WAS and primary sludge.

Source: Water Science & Technology

DOI: 10.2166/wst.2025.131

Authors: Anna Cardova, Pavel Jenicek, Martin Srb, Petr Sykora, Jiri Rosicky, Lise Appels

Institutions: University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, KU Leuven, Pražské Vodovody a Kanalizace

Language: English

Topic: Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Production

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4413991424

FWCI: 3.924

Cites: 28

Cited by: 9

Related to: 10